Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Helmet Camera Recorder Buying Guide - DVR's

All of our recorders, otherwise known as DVR's (Digital Video Recorders) have audio/video inputs, which allow all our cameras to hook up directly to them. There are many differences between all of them, but the four most important ones to be concerned with are...

1. Type of activity planning to record?
2. What is the max resolution of the DVR?
3. How much video will it store?
4. Additional DVR options?
- Is there a on/off remote available?
- Can the DVR power the camera as well?
- Is the battery swappable?

Activity:
Depending on the type of activity that you plan to do, should also determine the type of recorder that you purchase. Shock, vibration, jarring, and other harsh conditions may cause hard drive recorders to freeze up. If you plan to record in these extreme conditions, we recommend using our SD card recorders. MiniDV has also been successful in filming in these conditions, however MiniDV recorders do have moving parts, unlike the SD card recorders.

Resolution:
The higher the resolution the better the quality recording. Almost all of our DVR's record at least 640X480 Resolution, however our PV Series (PV500/PV800) can record up to 720X480.

Storage:
You can usually expect to record about 1HR per 1GB at maximum recording resolution. Most of our hard drive based recorders have at least 30GB's of space so that you can store a ton of video. Keep in mind that you can also use additional SD or CF cards in most of these units to extend your recording time or simply swap them out when they become full.

DVR Options:
Our PV800, PV500 & our brand new MiniDV5 are the only DVR's that have an optional remote that will allow you to power the unit on & off and to also start & stop your recordings. These DVR's can also power our 12V Stuntcams, thus eliminating the need for an additional battery pack to power the camera and the microphone. Most other DVR's are less expensive, however if you are looking to eliminate the additional battery pack for the camera and would like a remote, then these 3 DVRs should be your choice.

Coming Soon - Reviews of all of our recorders!

If you have any more questions, please email us at sales@stuntcams.com or visit our website at: http://www.stuntcams.com/

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

What you should know before you buy a helmet camera from anyone!

What you should know before you buy a helmet camera from anyone!
1. Do not believe everything you read! Most websites claim to have 520, 560, or 580 resolution cameras, while in fact they are just 480 or less. Be sure to ask them for a model number and research that model to see if it even exists before you buy.
2. Did you know that camcorders can only put out 520 lines of resolution anyways. Anything higher than 520 Resolution is overkill, unless you desire the additional features or specs of that camera.
3. Lens flexibility is critical. Specialty lenses produce desired scenes matching the range you are looking for, giving your video the professional look. Do not buy a one-lens camera. Stuntcams cameras allow you to change lenses and we also carry the most lenses anywhere!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Helmet Camera Kit Buying Guide by StuntCams.com

What type of helmet camera is right for me?
We sell many different types of cameras. All of our StuntCams require you to use a camcorder with AV Inputs or one of our recorders (DVR’s) to record the footage. We also carry several models that can record directly to an SD card.

Sony 420 Resolution Camera
A great camera within everyones budget! This camera is actually the smallest camera that we carry, as it looks almost as good as our 520 camera! With this 420 camera, you can also change lenses and use the polarized filters, to help reduce sun glare.

Sony 520 Resolution Camera
This is our best selling camera. This camera will give you great video at a great price! You can also change lenses to get the shot you are looking for. If you plan to purchase this camera, we also recommend the special EFX KA remote and the polarized filters.

Sony 540 Resolution Total Control Ex-View Camera
Our latest greatest camera! This camera actually allows you to fine tune every possible camera setting with an on-screen menu. Control Freaks - finally a camera with everything you ever wanted in a bullet camera that won't break the bank!

Sony 550 Resolution Varifocal Camera
This is our newest camera to our lineup. This camera can produce up to 550 lines of resolution and you can also adjust the view of the camera (zoom in/zoom out) by simply twisting the end of the camera. The first of it's kind!

Sony 520 Tornado Ex-View Camera
We recommend our Tornado Camera for use as a dash camera in vehicles or aircrafts. This camera is slightly larger than than the others, because it has a larger CCD sensor with Ex-View, meaning it will produce more vibrant colors than the 520 res camera and it will also give you the best results in low light conditions because it is Ex-View.

ATC Camera
If you do not want a camera that hooks up with a camcorder or DVR, we have the ATC available. The ATC records to an SD card and it’s very easy to setup and to mount as it has no wires. This camera is very popular with teens and amateurs. The product contains everything you will need, except the additional storage card SD, which we also sell. The ATC allows you to record directly to an SD card, although the footage appears to be closer to 320X240, rather than the claim of 640X480 resolution. This camera may seem to be the best solution, however the lens in this camera is a CMOS sensor, which is the same type of camera that is used in cell phones. To read more about the differences between a CCD sensor and a CMOS sensor, please see our Truth about Resolution Guide.

Connecting your Camera
If you have a camcorder that accepts Audio/Video inputs, it's a simple plug and play with any of our StuntCams. View our Camcorder Compatibility List to see if your camcorder has this option. If you don’t have a camcorder, but still want the best footage possible, we recommend any of our High-Res DVR products for DVD quality footage.

Summary
If you are looking for the best possible film quality, you will want to choose one of our StuntCams, however if you're looking for a 'toy' camera that is wireless and waterproof, the ATC-2000 w/ 2GB card will also work for you.

Now that you've selected your camera, you need to find yourself a recorder. View our Helmet Camera Kit Buying Guide - Which RECORDER is right for me?

If you have any more questions, please email us at sales@stuntcams.com or visit our website at: http://www.stuntcams.com